How Many Tennis Courts Are At Wimbledon

So, you’re wondering how many tennis courts are at Wimbledon? Grab a Pimm’s, settle in, and let’s break it down. It’s a question that sounds simple—like asking how many sprinkles are on a doughnut—but the answer is surprisingly twisty.

First, the headline number: Wimbledon has 39 grass courts in total. Yes, thirty-nine! That’s a lot of perfectly manicured green rectangles, each one a tiny stage for drama, grunts, and the occasional accidental bird poop delay.

But before you start counting on your fingers, know that only a few get the flashy TV time. The rest are like the supporting cast in a blockbuster—essential, but not famous. Think of them as the hardworking lawns that never get a selfie.

The Crown Jewels: Centre Court & Number One

Let’s talk about the superstars. Centre Court is the big one, the holy grail of tennis. It’s where legends cry, where royalty yawns during long rallies, and where the roof slides shut faster than you can order strawberries.

Then there’s No. 1 Court, which is like Centre Court’s slightly less famous but still incredibly cool sibling. It holds nearly 12,000 people and has its own roof now—so no more rain delays for the weepy fans. Plus, it has a brass band that plays “Sweet Caroline” at random moments.

Don’t forget No. 2 Court, once known as the “Graveyard of Champions” because it has a nasty habit of upsetting top seeds. It’s like the Bermuda Triangle of tennis, but with more sunscreen and less mystery. Ouch.

The Other 36: The Grass-Court Workhorses

The remaining 36 grass courts are spread across the sprawling grounds of the All England Club. They’re used for qualifying rounds, junior matches, and doubles tussles that nobody sees on TV but are actually way more fun to watch.

There are also 8 American clay courts and 5 indoor courts for practice, but ignore those—they’re like the cousin who shows up to family dinner but doesn’t eat the same food. For Wimbledon, grass is the thing. The whole place smells like cut grass and prestige.

Fun fact: The grass is cut to exactly 8mm—the same height as a freshly shaved corgi. Okay, I made that up, but it feels true, doesn’t it? The point is: precision matters here. Every blade is a diva.

Wait, Do the Practice Courts Count?

Oh, you’re getting technical now! Yes, the 18 practice grass courts are included in that 39 total. Players use them to warm up, test their grunts, and complain about the wind. They’re like the backstage mirrors—no audience, but full of sweat and unpleasant honesty.

There are also about 20 training courts on hard surfaces or clay, but they don’t count for “Wimbledon courts” because… reasons? Tradition? The ghost of a Victorian umpire? Let’s just say the All England Club is very particular about what gets called a court. Snobbery is part of the charm.

So if you’re ever at Wimbledon, don’t be a nitpicker. Just enjoy the fact that there’s enough green space to hide a small army of ball kids. Or a herd of hungry rabbits.

The Real Numbers Game

Let’s get precise, because why not? According to the official Wimbledon website, the total breakdown is: 19 grass match courts (including the three show courts) and 20 grass practice courts. That’s the 39. Simple math, but with more blades of grass.

During The Championships, about 18 of those courts are in play simultaneously on the busiest days. That’s a lot of “Let’s go!” and “Come on!” echoing through the air. It’s basically a symphony of competitive grunting, with a side of polite applause.

And here’s the kicker: every single court is maintained by a team of 12 gardeners who walk the grass with the precision of bomb-disposal experts. They wear white lab coats. Okay, no, they don’t, but they should. They’re heroes in wide-brimmed hats.

How Many Courts Can You Actually Visit?

If you snag a ticket, you can wander around the outside courts—Courts 3 through 18—and watch matches up close. You can even sit on the grass hillside (cue the cliché British picnic) and watch the big screen. It’s like a tennis-themed fairy tale, but with more overpriced water.

The famous Court 12 and Court 18 are fan favorites because they host epic upsets and have the most shade. Court 1 is the only one that gets a roof and a brass band. Centre Court gets the stars. Everyone else gets… hope.

And if you’re wondering about the old Court 2 (the real “Graveyard”), it has been moved and rebuilt. The old one is now a grassy plot where fans picnic. Yes, you can literally eat a salmon-and-cucumber sandwich where Roger Federer once cried. History has never tasted so stale.

The Grand Totals (No More Excuses)

Let’s recap with a cheerful bullet list in your brain: 39 grass courts total, with 19 match courts and 20 practice plots. Plus 8 clay and 5 indoor for practice. But the real number that matters? 1. That one magical court where someone wins the trophy and cries into a towel. That’s the one you remember.

So next time someone asks, “How many tennis courts are at Wimbledon?”, you can answer with confidence: “39, plus a whole lot of drama.” Boom. You’re now the smartest person at the pub.

And if they push back, just say: “The grass is 8mm tall, the strawberries are from Kent, and the queue is 10 hours long. Don’t test me.” They’ll back off. Trust me.

Conclusion: It’s Not About the Number

Sure, knowing that there are 39 courts is a fun party fact. But the real magic of Wimbledon isn’t in the count—it’s in the feeling. It’s the sound of a perfectly struck serve, the smell of sunblock and rain, and the sight of a ball boy tripping over a pigeon. (It happens. I’ve seen it.)

Wimbledon is a place where dreams are made, broken, and then stitched back together with a £50,000 trophy. And yes, every single one of those 39 courts has its own story. Some are fairy tales. Some are tragedies. One is probably haunted by a lost sock.

So whether you’re watching from Centre Court or a tiny screen in your kitchen, remember this: Every court is a stage, and every player is a star—even the ones who lose in straight sets while sweating through their pristine whites. And you, my friend, are part of the audience. So smile, laugh, and maybe eat a strawberry. You’ve earned it. Game, set, and snack-pack. 🎾